September 16, 2024

Celebrating Recovery Month: A Personal and Professional Journey

Meet Our Director of Recovery Coaching

At Eliot Community Human Services, our commitment to recovery is embedded in the work we do every day. To highlight Recovery Month, we sat down with our Director of Recovery Coaching to explore how lived experience shapes the recovery journey for individuals we serve.

“As the Director of Recovery Coaching, I provide supervision and support to all our recovery coaches. This involves guiding them through professional development, encouraging self-care, and offering overall guidance on the best ways to support individuals on their recovery journey. I also collaborate with clinical staff to provide education and perspective on what recovery truly looks like. I feel privileged to have been a part of Eliot for the past five years and to have contributed to the growth of recovery coaching across different areas of our agency. Eliot truly recognizes the value of recovery coaches as essential members of our treatment team, which has been a rewarding experience for me both professionally and personally.”

Lived Experience: A Beacon of Hope

“My lived experience now serves as a source of hope for those we serve, showing them that recovery is possible. Because I’ve been through many of the same challenges, I can easily build trusting relationships and connect with individuals as they take their first steps toward recovery. This perspective also enriches the work we do with clinical staff, as it helps to inform and complement the treatment we provide.”

What Recovery Month Means

“Recovery Month is a special time for reflection and connection. It’s a chance to raise awareness, combat the stigma surrounding addiction, and share our stories with the community. Personally, it’s a time to reflect on my own journey and assess how we, as a community, can improve our support for those still in the grips of addiction.

While September is a significant time for celebrating recovery, it’s important to remember that recovery is not just a one-month event—it’s an ongoing process. I continue to work on my recovery every day, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to help others on their journey as well.”

The Role of Peer Support in Recovery

“Peer and recovery coaching play a vital role in the recovery process. Addiction can be isolating, and having someone with lived experience as an ally can make a huge difference. We are able to connect and understand individuals in a way that purely clinical settings sometimes cannot. Recovery coaches serve as beacons of hope, showing that it is possible to go through treatment and come out on the other side.”

A Message of Hope for Recovery Month

“Recovery Month is an important time to celebrate successes and acknowledge the challenges people have overcome. It’s also a reminder that recovery is real and that hope is alive for those in different stages of their journey.”

How the Community Can Support Recovery Efforts

“We’ve made great strides in how we address addiction and support recovery, but there is still much work to be done. I would love to see more advocacy around how treatment is accessed and delivered. We need a recovery-oriented system of care where individuals and systems collaborate to create a comprehensive support network for those struggling with addiction. We must integrate recovery language and practices into the fabric of our society.”

A Final Thought

“Two quotes by Maya Angelou guide my work and reflect the two most important aspects of my role—empathy and advocacy. Empathy is understanding the feelings of others, and advocacy is ensuring that people receive what they deserve, especially when they are unable to do so for themselves. Ultimately, our work is always about the people we serve.”

“I learned a long time ago the wisest thing I can do is be on my own side, be an advocate for myself and others like me.” – Maya Angelou

“I think we all have empathy. We may not have enough courage to display it.” – Maya Angelou

This Recovery Month, let’s celebrate recovery, raise awareness, and continue advocating for those still on their journey. Together, we can create a stronger, more compassionate community.

September 4, 2024

Celebrating Recovery Month: Breaking the Stigma and Embracing Science-Backed Care

As we begin Recovery Month at Eliot Community Human Services (Eliot), we celebrate the inspiring journeys of those who have faced the challenges of substance use disorder (SUD) and mental health diagnoses, and emerged stronger. Recovery is not just about overcoming addiction or other behavioral health challenges; it’s about healing, reclaiming lives, rebuilding relationships, and igniting hope. It’s about supporting individuals in becoming empowered and self-expressed. Throughout September, we honor the resilience of our clients, the dedication of our staff, and the transformative power of compassionate, evidence-based care.

Destigmatizing Substance Use Disorder: Understanding the Science

Substance use disorder is a chronic disease, as classified by the American Medical Association and National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), among other leading health organizations. It is not a personal flaw or moral fault, as it is often portrayed in society and culture. Just as other medical diagnoses require ongoing care, so does SUD. NIDA estimates that 40-60% of people with SUD experience a return to symptoms at some point in their recovery, similar to the rates seen with other chronic illnesses. This statistic underscores the importance of sustained, long-term support, and the need to view a return to symptoms not as a failure, but as a part of the recovery journey.

Stigma remains one of the greatest barriers to treatment and long term recovery, both from mental health conditions and SUD. Misunderstanding SUD as a choice, rather than a medical condition, prevents many individuals from seeking the help they need. At Eliot, we are committed to breaking down these misconceptions and promoting a compassionate, science-backed approach to care. By understanding SUD through the lens of modern neuroscience and behavioral health research, we can better support those in recovery and create a more inclusive, supportive community.

Eliot’s Model: Person-Centered, Trauma-Informed, Measurement-Based 

Our approach to recovery is grounded in the principles of person-centered and trauma-informed care. We recognize that every individual’s journey is unique, shaped by personal experiences, challenges, and strengths. Our dedicated team of clinical, nonclinical and peer support staff work closely with each client to develop personalized care plans that address not just the symptoms of SUD and mental health diagnoses, but the underlying trauma, lived experiences, and socioeconomic concerns that often accompany it.

Trauma-informed care is at the heart of what we do. Research shows that a significant number of individuals with SUD and/or mental health conditions have experienced trauma, and addressing these experiences is crucial for lasting recovery. In creating a safe, supportive environment, we empower our clients to heal, and build a foundation for self-determination and holistic wellness.

Measurement-based care is another cornerstone of our approach. We believe that effective treatment is driven by data. By regularly assessing our clients’ progress and adjusting their care plans accordingly, we ensure that each person receives the right level of support at the right time. This evidence-based approach not only leads to more efficient and effective care, but it also results in better, more expedient outcomes for our clients.

A Call to Celebrate and Support Recovery

This Recovery Month, we invite you to join us in celebrating the courage of those who are on the path to recovery. Their stories are a testament to the power of perseverance, community, and compassionate care. Let’s work together to break the stigma surrounding SUD and mental health, advocate for evidence-based treatment and recovery programming, and nurture every individual on their journey to healing.

Eliot is proud to be a part of this movement. Our commitment to person-centered, trauma-informed, and measurement-based care reflects our belief that everyone deserves the opportunity to recover and thrive – without judgment. Together, we can create a world where recovery is not just possible, but understood, celebrated and honored.

Join Us in the Journey

Throughout September, we will be sharing more stories, resources, information, and events to promote awareness and support for those affected by substance use disorder and mental health diagnoses. Stay tuned to our website and social media channels for updates and ways to get involved.

Recovery is a journey, and we are here to walk alongside you every step of the way.

Happy Recovery Month!